Soothing
Centella asiatica
also known as Cica, tiger grass
The K-Beauty soothing standard — calms redness, speeds barrier recovery, and quiets reactive skin.
What it is
Centella asiatica is a small herb long used in traditional Asian medicine. In skincare it appears as whole-plant extract or as its isolated triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid).
What it actually does
Centella's active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid — collectively the 'madecassosides') reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production at the wound-healing level. That's why you see it in nearly every Korean post-acne, post-laser, and 'angry skin' formula. Pre-K-Beauty, it was already a staple in scar creams sold across pharmacies in Seoul.
Why K-beauty uses it
'Cica' is essentially a K-Beauty category unto itself — SKINFOOD, Dr. Jart+, Purito, Skin1004, iUnik, and Anua all build a soothing hero line around it.
Best for
- Redness
- Sensitive skin
- Post-active flare-ups
Pairs well with
Routine placement
- Where it lives
- Toner · Essence · Serum · Moisturizer
- AM/PM
- AM & PM
- Frequency
- Daily
How to use it
Use any time of day, layered anywhere in the routine. Hard to overdo. Pairs especially well with niacinamide and panthenol when you're trying to calm things down.
The Plug verdict
The safest bet in your bathroom. If you don't know what's wrong with your skin, add centella and wait two weeks before adding anything else.
Products featuring centella asiatica
60 productsEditorially picked products where centella asiatica is the hero — ranked by real value across authentic retailers.
Products with centella asiatica
6 products
Dr.Jart+
Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Gel Cream
VT Cosmetics
Pro Cica Reedle Shot 100
SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Firming Cream
VT Cosmetics
Pro Cica Reedle Shot 700
VT Cosmetics
Pro Cica Reedle Shot 300
ISOI
Cica OL Cera Serum
We match by ingredient mentions in product copy from our authentic retailers. If we missed a product you know contains centella asiatica, let us know.
Related ingredients
Madecassoside
The single most-active compound in centella, isolated — for serious calming without irritation.
Beginner-safe
Panthenol
aka Pro-vitamin B5
Quiet workhorse — hydrates, soothes, and speeds the skin's recovery from almost anything.
Beginner-safe
Mugwort
aka Artemisia
An old Korean medicinal herb now baked into ampoules — deeply calming for stressed, sensitive skin.
Beginner-safe
Frequently asked
- What does Centella asiatica do?
- The K-Beauty soothing standard — calms redness, speeds barrier recovery, and quiets reactive skin.
- Is Centella asiatica good for beginners?
- Yes — Centella asiatica is considered beginner-friendly in most K-beauty routines.
- Is Centella asiatica safe for sensitive skin?
- Centella asiatica is generally well-tolerated on sensitive skin.
- How do you use Centella asiatica?
- Use any time of day, layered anywhere in the routine. Hard to overdo. Pairs especially well with niacinamide and panthenol when you're trying to calm things down.